How to photograph an invisible spider

[ecooper]

I took the picture below last summer in an area of exposed sand on Deas Island, near the Fraser River, outside Vancouver. I was collecting a small tub of sand to use as a substrate for some scorpions I had just acquired. While on my knees scooping up sand I spotted this amazing spider. I honestly don’t know how I saw it...this was the most amazing example of natural camouflage I have ever seen. The way this spider just disappears against the sand background is astounding. It helps that this critter was also a little dusty.

As far as I can tell this species is an orange and black wolf spider (Arctosa perita). However, I also read that this species is common in Europe. So I am a little dubious about the identification—unless the species has been introduced to British Columbia.

Cheers,
EC
www.macrocrutters.wordpress.com


invisible spider darker hard pass_filtered by ernie.cooper, on Flickr

 

[Greenjewls]

Great, you posted a picture of sand. Cheers and thanks for that. OMG I SEE IT NOW

 

[PrettyHate]

Awesome as always

 

[Anonymity82]

Very awesome!

 

[MarkmD]

That is amazing how you spotted it, good pic.

 

[Ciphor]

Nice ID and even nicer picture! I think you are dead on with an orange & black wolf. The location is a match, as well as the habitat you photographed it in.

Keep them coming!

 

[The Snark]

Looking close, it's even more amazing than a first glance. The picture has been enhanced and the precise focal zone serves to enhance the spider further. I note that the out of focus areas of the spider just fade into the background.

 

[oldmanofthesea]

You are the best. Thanks for the photo. Ron